Earlier this week, Colorado Congressman Jared Polis announced a plan to cut some military spending and transfer the savings to better fund the government program that helps students with disabilities.

“The foundation of a strong economy and job creation begins with providing every child in America with the best possible education, including students with disabilities,” Polis said in a statement when announcing the plan.

The former Colorado State Board of Education member seeks to fully fund the federal government contribution to the so-called Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act.

Though Congress for years has been authorized to provide up to 40 percent of the funding needed to offset excess costs of providing public education to students with disabilities, federal funding typically has been far below that. In Colorado, Polis says the federal contribution is 18.5 percent.

Polis says Colorado school districts are providing the bulk of the rest of the money. In 2009-10, districts paid nearly 62 percent and the state 20. Polis joins other critics in calling the weak federal contribution an unfunded mandate that forces school districts in Colorado to pay hundreds of millions more each year.

The Boulder Democrat agreed to answer a handful of questions I e-mailed him earlier today.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.